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University is the last stop before entering adult life once and for all. Yet, for a lot of students, university fails to prepare them for the challenges of adulting. When you consider the costs of studies in the UK, it is only fair to expect high-quality services for our children.
Will the universities of the future learn more from the shortcomings of today and improve to meet the needs of the next generations of students? Only time will tell. But for now, here is a brief list of what parents and students want to see as part of their studies.
#1. Dedicated educational trips
School trips were the best part of school years. Indeed, trips enable pupils to experience knowledge in real life rather than inside a book. Therefore, it makes sense for universities to plan more study trips for their students. Whether they consider sending history students on a trip to Athens or media and film studies students to the Netherlands for a subject-linked itinerary, the options are infinite. Most students retain more knowledge through experiencing a situation than by reading a text on a whiteboard (or blackboard). Therefore, it can be a beneficial experience that helps anchor facts and information permanently into students’ memories.
#2. A list of self-help and fiction books to relax
Not everything at university should focus on studies. Providing a range of options for relaxation and cultural awareness can be beneficial for overwhelmed students. Indeed, it is a fantastic opportunity to remind them to take care of themselves and follow their personal interest too. Therefore, it can be useful to share a list of books, films, and audiobooks for them to check and reflect on. Introducing independent thinking habits can make a huge difference to their future careers and lives. Too many adults fall into easy marketing or political traps without questioning what they are being told. Self-reflection and questioning skills should be part of university studies.
#3. Free or discounted mental health support
Students are more at risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. For many, living away from the family home can be a shock. At an age when young individuals are still trying to build their identities, mental health support is an essential addition to university services. Universities can consider the implementation of discounted or free mental health services that can provide dedicated help to young adults in need. Mental health issues can arise from a variety of factors at university, ranging from study-related problems to financial worries. But let us not forget that students are also learning to stand up for themselves and define their personal choices and interests. Therefore, love interests, personal identity, friendship, work considerations, and even their plan for the future can be sources of anxiety, fears, and depression. It is essential to offer young people a platform where they can voice their thoughts and get help if they need it.
Universities are designed to shape our children into the adults of tomorrow. Academic results are important, yet they are not enough to build strong, determined, and self-confident individuals. That’s why universities must prioritise designing programmes that can support people’s interests, personal growth, and well-being outside of curriculum-focused knowledge.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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